Page 71 of Beautiful Devil

“It seems very personal, Kostya. I find that curious.” Sevastian laughed, his statement said with amusement.

“Just business, my friend. Nothing more. However, it will rid the Bratva of a potential issue. When that occurs, you will remember who came to your assistance.”

I could tell neither one appreciated my suggestion, but I couldn’t give a fuck. As I turned, heading for the door, Alexei’s piece of advice would likely nag at me for weeks if not months to come.

“Make certain you understand that if she becomes a full part of your life, nothing will ever be the same. You will never find peace of any kind, but you will find salvation.”

I took a deep breath, tossing a look over my shoulder. He was right, at least with regard to peace.

There would be no salvation for a man with evil running through his veins.

CHAPTER14

Emily

Lights.

They were everywhere, twinkling in the night sky. From the bright glow of the moon to the thousands of colorful hues of the cityscape, the view was powerful and evocative.

Yet I remained tense, my mind full of various brutal, bloody scenarios. Kostya’s declaration had stunned me, although as I thought about it now, I wasn’t entirely certain what the difference was between a mercenary turned assassin and the son of a madman. Sadly, the truth had taken a significant toll on Kostya, the anger I’d seen so many times hovering just under the surface, ready to strike at any time.

I paced the floor, my hand shaking as I tried to take a sip of wine. The suite was incredible, the views spectacular, and I could request anything from food to drink, clothing to perfume if I so desired. Yet all I wanted was to see Kostya walk through the hotel room door alive. He’d left me with limited instructions, but I knew the drill. He’d also positioned two soldiers inside and four others in the corridor, all watching me like a hawk.

I’d ordered room service, a feast meant for a king, but there was no way of knowing when or if he’d return. At least he’d been honest with me. He’d also kept his promise up to this point.

Exhaling, I planted my hand on the glass, the window stretching from one side of the living room area to the other, my reflection visible. I appeared gaunt, thoroughly exhausted, but there would be no rest until he arrived.

What continued to strike me as odd was that even though I felt strongly about him, I couldn’t tolerate being his main squeeze or his submissive. That just wasn’t me. I needed my work, the independence to make choices of my own. The joy of being in his arms was amazing, but there was more to life. How could I convey my feelings in a way he’d understand to a man with no soul? I’d wrestled with that question since being locked inside the suite.

I heard the tapping on the door and instantly both soldiers moved toward the sound. I didn’t need to turn around to know they had their weapons ready, prepared to end the life of anyone who dared try to harm me in any way.

“It should be room service,” I said, taking a deep breath before walking away from the window.

As the door was opened, the room service employees bringing in the two rolling carts were instantly terrified.

“Put them there,” one of the soldiers snarled, immediately checking under the tablecloth of both then opening all the domed lids.

Both waiters backed away, wide eyed, obviously tongue tied.

“Add a thirty percent tip and charge it to the room,” I said, drawing their attention. I smiled, trying to appear normal in the craziness. At least one of them was able to nod.

“Tha-thank you.”

“Get out,” the soldier snarled.

They left so quickly one tripped. When the door was slammed and locked, I glowered at the two men.

“You didn’t have to be so harsh.” Neither one of them answered me. “I make certain there was plenty if you’re hungry.”

Finally, one of the looked at me differently, not like I was nothing more than a disturbance. But I couldn’t help but notice as soon as he looked me in the eye, the other one said something in Russian that obviously disturbed the kinder soldier. He looked away after the admonishment, muttering back to the guy. They weren’t supposed to look me in the eye? What did Kostya fear? That they would take advantage of me?

I forced myself to walk closer to the food. While the various scents were incredible, my stomach remained in knots. I finally selected a chunk of cheese then returned to the window, trying to pull my mind out of the danger zone. Kostya had slammed into my world. Now I couldn’t imagine not having him in it. I nibbled on the cheese, taking a few sips of wine, shocked that a single tear slipped down my cheek.

There were a half dozen reasons for me to be sad, but why now? Did I sense something terrible had happened to Kostya? Or was I just mourning my mother and the life I’d taken for granted so many years before? I closed my eyes, forcing myself to concentrate on anything else.

Then I felt a presence and electricity sparked through every inch, my skin instantly on fire.

“Kostya,” I whispered.

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